I’ve never missed an Essence Festival. In fact, I was a member of the New Orleans City Council when we helped negotiate the first Essence Festival to come to our city. I believed in it then, and after more than 30 years, I believe in it even more today.
Essence is much more than a music festival. Every year, it fills our hotels, restaurants, convention halls and small businesses, generating millions of dollars in local and state tax revenues that benefit all of Louisiana.
Over the years, public investment and financial incentives have steadily declined, even as the festival’s impact has grown. That doesn’t make sense. That’s why I believe it’s time to take a fresh look at how we support Essence…